This film shows the strengths and weaknesses of most current animated films. The use of computers to animate films leads to stunning sets and characters. The images jump off the screen with incredible depth. The problem is that such beauty masks the underlying storytelling.

In this case, a simple short story is stretched into an 85 minute movie. Don't get me wrong. It was cute, funny, and true to the plot of the book. But, it wasn't true to the character of the book. Horton was a sad character, an outsider who took a big chance by defending the Whos. In the book, no one seemed to like Horton at the outset, making his sacrifice... and his ultimate victory... more impressive. In the film, Horton is a goofy, likable character, which makes the Kangaroo's vendetta seem out of place.

It might have been more interesting to switch the casting. Steve Carell could have played a much more quiet, persecuted Horton, and Jim Carrey could have gone over-the-top as the Mayor trying to gaine Horton's attention. Just a thought.

Finally, the G-Rated movie was smoke-free, earning the film a SmokeScreeners Rating of No Butts. http://tinyurl.com/c9ssyp